I’ve come to the conclusion that I have a soft spot for whatnots: sets of light, open shelves for displaying knick knacks. As I am a collector and have lots of knick knacks, it was inevitable that I would seek them out. And isn’t ‘whatnot’ a lovely, old-fashioned name? That alone would draw me to them. Plus, I think they are quite cottagey (yes, I made that word up) and fit in with my Christmas in Connecticut type decorating style.
The first whatnot shelf that came into our house was this one. As my egg cup collection grew, I realized that I had to find some way to display them. We found this whatnot in a local antique store – I fell in love with the fan shape at the top and this carving on the sides:
Even though I tend to paint things around here, I can’t touch this beauty. The finish is in great shape and I love it just the way it is.
Then there’s this sweet, sweet whatnot, found in another local shop several years ago. I’ve never seen another one like this. The shelves are curved and the carving on the sides is so charming. It reminds me of something that would be in Hansel and Gretel’s little cottage.
It lives in the den, where I discovered that it perfectly matches the framed print over the sofa. A nice little bit of serendipity.
Also in the den: this little whatnot. It came to me from Heidi’s shop, where it had been in our friend Reyna’s space. After Reyna died, Heidi gave it to me. Originally it had a dark, dark finish and the back was mirrored. I painted it and used scrapbook paper to cover up the mirror. Perfect for holding my mini pottery collection. And a lovely memory of Reyna.
Then there’s this whatnot, which hangs in the studio. I got it for a song years ago. It had a dark finish with a lot of damage, so I painted it and hung it over my sewing machine. The scrollwork on the sides is gorgeous.
My smallest little whatnot is this one:
A vintage spice shelf I fell in love with at first sight. I swooned over the paint colors, the little dowels designed to keep the spices from falling off the shelf, and that art deco like design at the top. I had to have it.
It lives in the studio, right under the mantel turned shelf.
As I am an unrepentant collector, I’m sure I will find more of these whatnots and bring them home to the cottage. After all, Don just gave me two more egg cups from Prague! (Photos tomorrow.) I simply have to find some space for them, right?
Don’s home. He didn’t get here until about 10:30 last night. I have only seen a few photos, though I’m sure I’ll see lots more today. Scout is currently driving me crazy here in the den. She starts at every little sound, thinking it must be her dad getting up. She is even making noises: grunts, sighs, moans. It’s her way of saying “When is he going to get up???” That little girl adores her dad.
Happy Tuesday.
Hi Claudia,
Glad Don got home safely from his trip. I am sure he will have great stories and pictures. You should have him guest post. As I was looking at the picture you posted of him the other day I remember him from being on Law and Order. I love all of your what nots. I am a collector too. I have a collection of doxies (not the real ones), when I find on on vacation it is like manna from heaven.
Suzan
Ladybug Cottage
Don’s been on all the Law and Orders at one time or another, Suzan. How many doxies do you have?
Fun to see the what nots and everything on them… and glad Scout will get her wish soon!
She’s very happy her dad is home – I’d almost say ‘exhausted’ from all the excitement.
So that’s what they’re called! What a cool thing to collect! Hope you’re thoroughly enjoying the first day of your hubby being home and hearing all about his overseas adventure!
He hasn’t said much yet – I already know a lot because we skyped one or two times a day – but I can’t wait to see all his photos.
Claudia, The way you discribed Scout wanting Don to get up , gave me a chuckle. I bet she has truly missed him. I am glad he’s back home safe and sound with you. Enjoy your time. xoxo,Susie
Thanks, Susie. We’re happy he’s home.
Dear sweet friend,
I have not heard the term whatnot since I was a little girl. The term happily reminds me of my little granny! Have a warm sunshiny day from middle TN.
I know – my grandmother had a corner whatnot – a set of three shelves – and I remember it fondly.
Hi Claudia, Thanks for the lovely tour. My favorite is Reyna’s shelf. I love it when theres something we have that reminds us of someone we loved.
Blessings, Joanne
I agree, Joanne. It’s a lovely memory of a lovely woman.
I didn’t realize those shelves were called what nots. I am glad that you didn’t paint those first two…they are really pretty as is! Enjoy your day! ;)
No, I couldn’t paint the first two. I really like them as they are.
My Mom had a what not shelf (although I didn’t know what they were called until I read your post). On were pictures of her parents, my Dad’s parents, and memorabilia from travels. I remember looking at those things, some of which I inherited. I wish we had the wall space for a what not!
Well, I am totally lacking in wall space, but somehow I’ve managed to find a place for them. Paula! Where there’s a will there’s a way!
My Mom had 2 or 3 what-not shelves. I had one of hers that got lost in a move somewhere. I used to display my dog collection on it. What fun that you have those AND the sweet collections on them- xo Diana
I’m sorry you lost that shelf of your mom’s, Diana! Maybe you’ll see another one like it someday and snap it up!
All so pretty! I love them too. I have one from my Gram’s house, but need to find a better place for it.
Thanks for sharing them with us :)
Oh, I love that you have one from your Gram!
Love your what not shelves, and the collections they hold.
My grandmother and my great aunt both had pretty what not shelves. As I recall they had china tea cups and saucers on them. Seeing your shelves brought on a trip down memory lane!
nancyr
My grandma used to display her tea cups and saucers, too! Must be a grandma thing, Nancy.
Those are really cute– useful too! Glad the mister made it home safely.
We are, too. He’s a bit groggy today – has to adjust to the time difference.
Glad that Don is home, safe and sound and brought you prezzies. Nothing better than pieces from foreign lands. Nice to have unique things you don’t find locally. Can’t wait to see your new egg cups. J
He’s a thoughtful guy!
What lovely shelves to hold all of your “pretties”..I also love nicknacks..old ones that is..I like the curved shelf with the tulip like design cut out..It is so sweet that little Scout is so anxious to see her Daddy..and I can hardly wait to see your egg cups from Prague!!
That shelf just might be my favorite, too, Nancy.
I love all your “whatnots” and your shelves! I had always admired the white shelf with the black and white paper in back, but I had no idea that it used to be dark wood with a mirrored backing. Duh, Melanie…I have two shelves stored away in my basement that are exactly like that! I’ve always wanted to re-do them, but didn’t like the mirrors in back. Never thought of covering them with paper. (Note to self: think outside the box!) Guess what’s going to be on my project list?!
Go for it, Melanie!
Claudia, Once again you have educated me . I never knew that was called a whatnot. You have some very cool “whatnot s” Also your Hand-quilted bed cover is Amazing you have done an Outstanding job! I come from a long line of quilters,so I know of what I speak. -Judy A-
Thank you, Judy – that is a compliment, indeed! I spent part of today cutting binding.
Oh, Claudia! These are so cute, and that Humpty shelf just stole my heart. And I love your antique sheep with the party hat on that cute shelf.
I want to thank you for your kind words on my post. I’ve had a rough go with this, but his parents are having far worse. My heart goes out to them.
Sending you love today and always…
XO,
Sheila
Sending my love to you, Sheila. My thoughts are with you, my friend.
Whatnot is a nice old-fashioned word. I’ve always loved “eiderdown” too. Each of your whatnots is pretty but I do love that last little blue one and the little sheep with a hat on. Like it was meant to reside on that little whatnot. No better way to corral small prize possessions.
Isn’t that blue shelf adorable? It’s perfect for that tiny little sheep.
You can squeeze in two more from Prague. You have charming shelves.
I’ve already squeezed them in, Olive!
Oh Claudia what not shelves are so cute! I forgot my Mom had one and called it that…she collected salt and pepper shakers at one time. Wish she had kept them, they were all gone long ago! I love my cubbies but I have a couple of what not’s I need to hang! So glad Don is home and I know Scout is ready for some Daddy time!
hugs, Linda
So glad someone else calls those whatnot shelves!! That’s what I’ve always called them. I found two real cute ones last week on my adventure. Haven’t gotten them unpacked yet.
Excited to see your new egg cups. So glad Don’s home.
Judy
Catching up – busy as we’re having a heatwave – 86F today and for the next few. This means garden work big time – my back aches before I’ve even done any!
Happy Don’s safely home – did you wear your beautiful new sweater to welcome him? It’s really lovely, Meredith did a great job – love the colors of the yarn.
Enjoy your week with your love – hope Scout calms down.
Mary X
Love it! Some of us are whatnot lovers and some aren’t. I remember my mother always said that if she couldn’t eat it or wear it, she didn’t want it. Predictably, I have shelves full of whatnots. They’re sweet and add character and charm to a home. I’ll have to admit that it’s not as much fun in the winter when we’re burning wood. The dust is seemingly uncontrollable then. Love your little pitcher collection!
I enjoyed the pictures of your what not shelves. They all have their own personalities. Also am glad Don made it home safe and sound. I’m sure you’re looking forward to seeing all of his pictures and hearing all about it.
Blessings,
Betsy
Loving your “what not” shelves. The tulip one the spice rack one. Now that you mention it I have a few myself. Love how you have displayed your collections on them too!
I especially love the little shelf with the cut out tulips. I have a tiny little green corner shelf with cut out tulips. Right now it’s just on my crafting desk, but I’m hoping to get it up on the wall in the hallway, by the entrance to my daughters room.
I love all of your shelves, Claudia. Each one is so unique and so pretty. I have used old spice racks in the past for small collectibles. They’re easy to paint and you can find them cheaply at yard sales. You must be so relieved to have Don home again. I’m glad his journey was a safe one. Take care!